Why You Shouldn’t Visit Guanajuato (And Let Us Keep It to Ourselves)
Guanajuato is a mid-sized town in central Mexico, tucked away in the hills like a well-kept secret. And honestly? It should stay that way. With its colorful buildings, ridiculously friendly people, and food that’s entirely too delicious for its own good, this place is dangerously charming. And worst of all—it’s budget-friendly.
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We’ve been traveling full-time since 2023, always hunting for places with the perfect mix of great weather, affordability, authenticity, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. When a fellow traveler mentioned they had passed through Guanajuato but regretted not staying longer, we figured, why not? Five weeks later, we’re here to warn you: Guanajuato is way too good. In fact, it’s best if you just skip it. Here’s why:
1. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Which Means Too Much History and Beauty)
Guanajuato’s historic center is so well-preserved and picturesque that UNESCO had to go and make it official. The 16th-century architecture? Stunning. The winding alleyways? Pure magic. The underground tunnels that make you feel like you’re in some secret adventure movie? Yeah, those are real. And they make getting around town way too fun. Do you really want to spend your vacation gawking at architectural masterpieces like Teatro Juárez or the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato? Didn’t think so.
2. The Weather Is Too Pleasant
Love sweating through your clothes or shivering uncontrollably? Then Guanajuato is not for you. With temperatures hovering comfortably between 39°F and 83°F year-round, you’ll find yourself enjoying crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings instead of battling extreme weather. And in winter? It’s a perfect 65-75°F (18-24°C). We even ate outside. Repeatedly. Because the weather is just that good.
3. It’s Way Too Affordable (And That’s a Problem)
Budget travelers, beware! Your money stretches too far here, and it’s downright suspicious. Consider this:
- A one-bedroom apartment can cost as little as $300 per month.
- Street food is dangerously cheap, with tacos and quesadillas under $3 USD.
- Local transportation costs mere pennies, and even taxis won’t break the bank.
- Our apartment doesn’t even have heating or air conditioning because the weather is so mild. Talk about unnecessary savings!
If word gets out, everyone will start coming, and then where will we be? Paying normal prices, that’s where. No, thank you.
4. It’s the Perfect Size (Which Is Highly Inconvenient)
Guanajuato somehow strikes the perfect balance between being a small, cozy town and a bustling, vibrant city. With a population of just under 200,000, it has just enough people to keep things lively without feeling crowded. It’s compact, highly walkable (if you don’t mind the hills), and packed with hidden plazas where you can sip coffee while people-watching. The downside? It’s way too easy to settle in and feel at home.
Private Tour of Guanajuato City
Tour in the beautiful city of Guanajuato visiting its mines and its main attractions with an explanation of the city what it was and what has been transformed throughout its history
5. The Landscapes Are Breathtaking (And That’s a Distraction)
Mountains, colorful rooftops, and jaw-dropping viewpoints? Who needs that? A simple walk up to El Pípila will give you a panoramic view so stunning you might start reconsidering your entire life plan. And if you’re into hiking, the nearby Sierra de Santa Rosa is filled with trails that let you escape into nature. It’s all too tempting, and frankly, we don’t need any more people discovering it.
6. The Culture and Festivals Are a Bit Too Lively
If you hate vibrant cultural scenes, you’re in trouble here. Guanajuato is home to the famous Festival Internacional Cervantino, which brings world-class artists, musicians, and performers into the streets every October. Even outside of festival season, the city is alive with music, street performances, and parades. Absolutely mesmerizing. If you prefer your cities quiet and boring, Guanajuato will be a huge disappointment.
7. The Food Scene Is Too Good
Let’s be real: the food is a major problem. How are you supposed to resist freshly made tacos, enchiladas mineras, or a towering torta de milanesa? And don’t even get us started on the “aguas frescas,” the dangerously refreshing fruit drinks that will keep you hydrated and happy. With street vendors on every corner and charming restaurants tucked into every alley, resisting temptation is impossible.
Do Yourself a Favor and Stay Away
Guanajuato is just too perfect. If too many people figure this out, prices will go up, the quiet charm will disappear, and we’ll all have to find somewhere else to enjoy ridiculously good food, unbeatable weather, and stunning scenery. So really, do yourself (and us) a favor—just skip it. Nothing to see here.
(But if you do come, don’t tell anyone how great it is, okay?)
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